Babyproof Fireplace

A babyproof fireplace is a must for any homes with fireplaces, both gas burning and wood. We want to avoid:

Serious, life threatening burns that can occur if your child accidentally starts the fireplace or gets near a fire

Smoke inhalation

Baby playing in soot and ashes (and possibly ingesting them)

Injury from falling on a fireplace hearth

Injury from hitting sharp corners that are often found on hearths

Babyproof Fireplace: Tips to Get You Started

The solution that is best for your home is one that:

Provides a few feet of restricted space so your child cannot access the fireplace

Does not pose a fire risk if the fireplace is lit (this is not always possible, but is ideal)

A few things to remember when it comes to fireplace safety:

It is best to not utilize the fireplace when your children are around. Fireplace injuries can be severe and this is the safest way to prevent injury.

If you have a glass fireplace cover, it can stay warm for an hour or so after the fireplace is turned off. Be aware that burns can occur if your child touches the cover of a recently turned-off fireplace.

Avoid play yards and any gates that are not hardware mounted. These are too easy for a child to tip over into the fireplace.

Fireplace screens provide some measure of burn protection, but still pose a risk as many can be easily knocked over or opened by a young child. It is better to create a barrier of space between your child and the fireplace.

Babyproof Fireplace: Recommended Products

The Regalo Super Wide Baby Gate is your best bet for a babyproof fireplace. This gate can be hardware mounted to the walls surrounding the fireplace, giving a safe berth of space between your children and the fireplace.

If you have a raised hearth, you’ll want to soften up the edges and corners. Many hearths are brick and contain sharp corners that can cause serious injury. The Cardinal Gates Metal Hearth Guard is the strongest option. It includes a telescoping metal backer that attaches securely to brick and other hearth materials.

If your hearth lies closer to the ground, you might want to consider a hearth guard that covers the entire surface of the hearth, especially if your child will often be playing in the vicinity of the fireplace. The KidKusion Hearth Pad will fit most hearths and can be cut to fit the dimensions of your particular hearth. If you go this route, you won’t need to mess with the corner and edge guards.

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Disclaimer

No babyproofing product is 100% effective or a substitute for parental supervision. Babyproofing products are designed to reduce the risk of injury, but are not guaranteed to do so. Always use your best judgement and supervision when creating a safe environment for your child. This website is for informational purposes only.